Carlow TD completes Historic and Archaeological Heritage Bill

Green Party TD for Carlow Kilkenny, and Minister for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan, has completed a significant overhaul of Ireland’s heritage legislation with the passage of the Historic and Archaeological Heritage Bill.

This landmark piece of heritage legislation completed its journey through the Houses of the Oireachtas on Wednesday, October 11, and will now be enacted.

The Bill will replace the existing National Monuments Act 1930 to 2014, and other related legislation, and marks a significant and much-needed modernisation of the laws that have protected Ireland’s valued heritage for almost a century. 

“We are so fortunate in Ireland to enjoy a rich, layered and varied historic heritage, and that's what makes the laws that protect that heritage so important," said Minister of State Noonan.

"Once it’s enacted, the Historic and Archaeological Heritage Bill will replace the existing law that governs the protection of our archaeological heritage; revising, replacing, and modernising an Act that was forward-looking in its day but is now almost 100 years old. This new Bill will make Ireland’s historic heritage protections fit for the 21st century.

“Under the new legislation, finds of newly discovered archaeological sites will be protected, and existing sites and structures will be afforded greater legal protection. It will also enable the State to ratify several important international conventions with respect to the protection of historic heritage and help us to realise a number of actions set out in Heritage Ireland 2030, our national heritage plan.

“The social and cultural value of our archaeological and historic heritage can't be underestimated - it’s internationally renowned, and with good reason, and in Carlow and Kilkenny we have a strong appreciation for our local heritage. As guardians of that heritage it’s incumbent on us to do everything we can to conserve that precious legacy for generations to come.

“The passage of the Historic and Archaeological Heritage Bill through the Houses of the Oireachtas is a major achievement for our team in the National Monuments Service and having steered this legislation through the Houses of the Oireachtas over the last number of years, its passage is of course a momentous day for me as Minister. It grants our historic heritage protections that are fit for our modern age, and in doing so it won’t just strengthen our connection with the past, it will safeguard Ireland’s heritage for future generations.”